Category Archives: marketing

GMC 2026 Sierra EV – Bring Money

Posted on 27 March 2025 by Ken Zino

GMC (NYSE: GM) today introduced the 2026 Sierra EV with a wide range of trims, capability, and battery configurations, giving customers more choice than in an electric GMC pickup due in showrooms this summer. The premium Elevation and offroad AT4 trims join the Denali to complete a lineup that now has a starting MSRP of $64,495 including $2095 DFC. The top of the line AT4 will start at an MSRP of $81,395. Continue reading →

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EU February 2025 Car Sales Drop. Tesla Tanks

Posted on 25 March 2025 by Ken Zino

During February 2025 new car sales dropped -3% according to data released today from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, aka ACEA derived from its French name. Year-to-date February 2025, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 15.2% of total EU market share, signifying an increase from the low baseline of 11.5% in the comparable period of January-February 2024. Hybrid-electric vehicles surged, capturing 35.2% of the market and remaining the preferred choice among EU consumers. Meanwhile, the combined market share of petrol and diesel cars fell to 38.8%, down from 48.5% over the same period in 2024.

“Notably, the bloc’s major markets saw declines, with Italy (-6%), Germany (-4.6%), and France (-3.3%). Spain conversely recorded an 8.4% increase,” ACEA said. Buried in the data, but not called out by ACEA is Tesla sales have dropped significantly for the second straight month in Europe. Year to date Tesla is off 49% dropping from 37,311 in 2024 to 19,046 in 2025. This as the Chinese assault on the European market is just beginning. Continue reading →

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Genesis Offers Free NACS Adapters

Posted on 25 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Genesis today announced that current U.S. EV owners who purchased their vehicle on or before 31 January 2025 will begin receiving emails inviting them to redeem their complimentary North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapters starting the week of 7 April. This Genesis authorized adapter gives Combined Charging System (CCS1) port GV60, Electrified GV70 and Electrified G80 owners access to an additional 20,000 NACS DC fast chargers in the U.S. at the Tesla Supercharger Network. Continue reading →

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Aston Martin Debuts Vanquish Volante

Posted on 25 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Aston Martin in Gaydon today announced the arrival of the new Vanquish Volante. It is the fastest, most powerful open top (convertible in Brit speak – AutoCrat) series production Aston Martin to date. It shares with the coupe the claim as the fastest, most powerful front-engine production car on sale today. Continue reading →

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American Honda – Tesla Supercharger Network Coming

Posted on 21 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX owners will gain access to more than 20,000 selected Tesla Superchargers across the United States starting in June 2025, American Honda said today. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Indy 500 Milk Cartons

Posted on 20 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) said today that the American Dairy Association Indiana and Prairie Farms Dairy are collaborating to bring Indianapolis 500-branded milk pints and cartons to fans across the Midwest. The tradition of drinking milk after winning the Indianapolis 500 goes back to 1936 when Louis Meyer, an avid drinker of buttermilk, requested a bottle after winning his third Indy 500. As the story goes, a dairy industry executive saw the newsreel footage of the iconic moment and requested milk be made available to the winner of each Indianapolis 500 thereafter. Continue reading →

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First Look – 2025 Audi RS-3 Sedan

Posted on 20 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Audi of America today released pricing and specifications for the 2025 Audi RS 3. It retains the Nürburgring-Nordschleife record in the compact class. It also has the unique Audi five-cylinder engine.

Audi said the RS-3, “reaffirms the compact sport sedan’s position as the attainable entry point to the Audi Sport portfolio. Featuring a combination of visual enhancements to both the interior and exterior, more standard equipment, and performance benefits of fine-tuning; the latest rendition of the RS 3 invites drivers to experience the progressive union of luxury with the track-proven performance demonstrated through the new record lap set in the compact vehicle class on the Nurburgring-Nordschleife with 7:33.123 minutes.” Continue reading →

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Acura 2025 ADX SUV Bets on Pricing

Posted on 18 March 2025 by Ken Zino

The 2025 ADX, an all-new premium compact SUV, begins arriving at Acura dealerships today. It’s billed as a new access model that will heighten the appeal of Acura as a destination brand for a new generation of buyers looking for youthful styling, top-class features and an engaging driving experience, all at an allegeable attainable price point. The bet on pricing is that a $36,000 to $45,000 SUV – plus options – will attract younger buyers, who are in a perilous position given a U.S. economy facing another Trump Administration trade-war and tariff -induced recession. (Read AutoInformed.com on: First Look New 2025 Acura ADX Compact SUV) Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz Debuts New CLA in Rome?

Posted on 14 March 2025 by Ken Zino

The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA (MBGAF) was launched in Rome yesterday, a surprising site for a German automaker. Mercedes said a launch of this magnitude deserves a backdrop of equal prestige…, which is why it chose Rome – a metropolis defined by timeless elegance, flair and progressive vision. Amidst the hype and hoopla some details of what is and has been a significant Mercedes car emerged.

“The premiere of the new CLA in Rome – a city just as iconic and timeless as Mercedes-Benz – was more than just another car launch. It marks the beginning of a new era for Mercedes-Benz and for our customers: The CLA will be the most efficient and the most intelligent Mercedes we’ve ever made. It’s the one-liter car for the electric age – and at the same time will also be available as a highly efficient hybrid version. It is the first in a series of new models we’re adding to the Mercedes-Benz family,” said Ola Kaellenius, Chief Executive Officer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Mercedes-Benz and FYI

Posted on 13 March 2025 by Ken Zino

“By integrating FYI RAiDiO into our vehicles, we are redefining the in-car entertainment experience. This collaboration with will.i.am and his innovative AI platform allows us to offer our customers a truly personalized and interactive journey, transforming how they connect with music, news and cultural content. This is a significant step towards the future of in-car entertainment, where technology and creativity converge to enhance the driving experience,” claimed Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement. Continue reading →

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Toyota Motor Starts Crown Estate Sales in Japan

Posted on 13 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE: TM and 7203.T) said today that it is starting  sales of its all-new Crown Estate model in Japan. The Crown launched in 1955 with a history that has grown alongside the development of the post-war Japanese economy and Toyota. The new Crown has also advanced the “making ever-better cars” ideal through TNGA [Toyota New Global Architecture platform] and the in-house company system. In 2022, Toyota unveiled four models with different personalities, rather than just one sedan, to the world as the Crown series. The latest Crown would seem to be a natural addition to the U.S. model lineup, AutoInformed speculates. The powertrain  now includes hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models. Continue reading →

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Toyota C-HR+, bZ4X and Lexus RZ European Debuts

Posted on 12 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Corporation announced in Japan today that it will be expanding its battery electric vehicle (BEV) lineup in Europe as part of its multi-pathway approach toward achieving a carbon-neutral society. Continue reading →

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Electrify America Invests Millions in ZEV Workers

Posted on 11 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Electrify America announced today a $7.4+ million investment in organizations across the U.S. to support zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) access programs, education, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) workforce development. The funding builds on Electrify America’s previous investments in organizations to advance equitable access to electric vehicle (EV) transportation in low-income and disadvantaged communities and building a skilled EV workforce. Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz USA Offers Customization of Sprinter Vans

Posted on 11 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz USA said today that its new VanSolution is starting for the customization of Sprinter and eSprinter Cargo Vans. VanSolution premieres with foundational shelving upfits, starting at $3152, directly installed by Ranger Design at the Mercedes-Benz USA Vehicle Processing Center in Ladson, South Carolina.

“This new approach underscores Mercedes-Benz’s dedication to enhancing the customer experience and driving excellence in the commercial vehicle sector. By leveraging our extensive dealer network and industry-leading expertise, we are reshaping the way vocational upfits are delivered, ensuring that our customers receive integrated solutions that streamline both the ordering and invoicing process,” said Iain Forsyth, Director, Product Management and Marketing, Vans. Continue reading →

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Toyota and Evgo Open First Charging Stations

Posted on 11 March 2025 by Ken Zino

Evgo, one of the largest providers of public fast charging stations for electric vehicles (NASDAQ: EVGO), and Toyota Motor North America (NYSE:TM) today announced the opening of the first DC fast charging (DCFC) stations in Baldwin Park and Sacramento, California. They are part of Toyota’s so-called “Empact” vision.* The new co-branded stations, owned and operated by EVgo, each serve up to eight vehicles simultaneously and have 350kW fast chargers. Continue reading →

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